Some highlights from the OFSTED 2010 inspection:
Outcomes for pupils are good with some outstanding elements and five recommendations for improvement. Health of pupils is promoted well with outstanding practice in regards to supporting pupils with emotional health. The rigour in encouraging healthy diets is not as consistent though. Pupils safety is well protected and there is excellent work based on Quaker values in enabling pupils to develop, mature and take responsibility for their behaviour. Support for pupils to enjoy their time at the school and make realistic achievements is outstanding. There are good opportunities to learn life skills and develop independence, preparing pupils for life when they leave the school. The quality of boarding accommodation varies and the main shower room used by the majority of boarders requires improvement. Overall management of the school is good and has improved since the last inspection helping to drive a culture of continuous improvement and bring best practice into the school. This is reflected in the good and outstanding outcomes pupils experience at the school.
Helping children to be healthy
Pupils are able to contribute to the school menus and have plenty of opportunity to learn how to be independent in planning and cooking their own meals. Meals provided by the school are of good quality with plenty of choice. Some options are more healthy and nutritious than others. The range of food caters to pupils individual needs and preferences some of which stem from their Asperger’s condition and backgrounds.
Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
There is very good practice with regards to safeguarding pupils’ welfare. This is firmly rooted
in the ethos and values of the school. There is a strong emphasis on the promotion of the
well-being of pupils so that they are able to achieve and progress with their education.
There is a good, effective, professional and caring approach to safeguarding practice that
ensures pupils are protected from abuse. Any allegations or concerns about abuse are managed
very well and there are well-developed relationships with other agencies providing an open
and integrated approach to promoting pupils’ welfare.
Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
Support for pupils is based on their individually assessed needs, circumstances and backgrounds.
This provides pupils with excellent outcomes and opportunities to live out their chosen lifestyles
and follow their hobbies and interests. This is reflected in very positive comments from pupils
who frequently comment that one of the best things about the school is the range of activities
on offer. Social activities are diverse in nature reflecting the needs and wishes of all pupils.
Helping children make a positive contribution
Admissions to the school are planned involving prospective pupils and their families. Pupils
may visit the school, stay overnight and give it a test drive before they move in. Their needs
are assessed before admission helping to ensure the school is the right place for the pupil to
move to. As such pupils are able to move into the school in a planned and sensitive manner.
Careful consideration is also given to ensure that new pupils being admitted will not have an
adverse impact on pupils already at the school. This helps ensure good outcomes for all pupils
are maintained.
Achieving economic wellbeing
Pupils benefit well from the support and arrangements to help them develop independent
living skills and prepare for the transition to adulthood. The school now has a sixth form provision
and a range of accommodation promoting semi-independent living. This enable pupils to stay
at the school for longer and develop a range of life skills. Pupils are supported to budget, shop,
cook meals and do their laundry. There are links with the local and wider community including
a range of work experience opportunities and career guidance linked to pupils individual needs.
All round there is a positive impact for pupils with good opportunities to develop new life skills
again boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Organisation
There is a competent and experienced staff group with clear deputising arrangements. The
care staff team has been re-structured since the last inspection providing a more effective
system of management and better care for pupils. There are good staffing levels to support
pupils with all their care needs. Most staff have the recommended qualification to care for
children and young people, other staff are working towards achieving this. Staff are suitably
trained to ensure that they look after pupils well and that the school lives up to its aims and
objectives. Aims and objectives are detailed in the school prospectus. This gives good clear
information about the school and what it provides. It is available to pupils, their parents and
placing authorities.
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